Page 20 of Giovanni
“You’re going to make me ride that thing, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely. It’s either ride in style or watch me parade around the store in this baby like I own the place.”
I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips.
“Fine, but you’re pushing the cart then.”
“Who needs a cart when you got this basket?” He pats the inside of the large basket, really trying to bring it home. “But if your basket runneth over, I’ll get a cart,” he replies, standing to offer me the scooter.
I take a deep breath and climb in, the scooter feeling strange and more than humbling to my ego. This is just another example of why I need to get into shape, to keep me from needing to use one of these later in life. I hear him chuckle behind me as I start toward the store entrance.
“You’re doing great.”
I can hear the humor in his voice. I shake my head again but can’t suppress my grin.
“Just for the record, I’m never living this down, am I?”
“Not a chance.
Giovanni’s enthusiasm for nutrition is infectious. He’s like a kid in a candy store, except the candies are organic fruits and vegetables. His passion for healthy living is evident in every word and every gesture. It’s a side of him that’s just as attractive as his playful humor and good looks.
“Okay, what do you think about trying some ancient grains? They’re like the ancestors of all modern grains.”
He holds up a bag of something that looks intriguing and slightly intimidating. I raise an eyebrow.
“Ancient grains? Sounds like something Indiana Jones would go hunting for.”
He laughs, placing the bag in the basket.
“Exactly! Eating healthy can be an adventure. Next, we’ll try finding the raiders of the lost ark of organic spices.”
It’s a terrible comeback, light and corny, as our banter continues while we move through the store. He makes a show of weighing two different kinds of apples, pretending to struggle with the life-altering decision.
“Kacie, this is crucial. Sweet or tart?”
I play along, taking it seriously.
“Hmm, the fate of our meal prep hangs in the balance. Let’s live dangerously. Go tart.”
He nods solemnly, adding the apples to our burgeoning collection of groceries.
“Brave choice. I knew you were a risk-taker.”
Our laughter and jokes fill the space around us, turning what could have been a routine chore into a delightful experience. With Giovanni, every moment is airy and fun. He continues dumping different things into the scooter’s basket. Most of the time, I have no idea what they are or what we are making, but when he makes a side comment to a guy about taking care of his old lady, the man chuckles. I clear my throat to get his attention.
“Hey, you got to admit, that was funny. Get it because you are older than me and in the scooter?”
He laughs again at his joke, no ill intent behind it. It is humorous, even if it’s at my expense.
“Well, sonny, if you’re a good boy and help with the groceries, I’ll give you a quarter for the horsey ride out front.”
I have no idea if they still have those coin-operated machines when I jab my finger into his side. He laughs so hard he grips the side of the basket, bent over with his eyes watering. I can’t help the giggles that escape me.
“And I’ll take you up on that offer. I never say no to a horsey ride.”
His laughter, shifting seamlessly into that smoldering gaze, sends a thrill through me. The closeness, the intensity in his eyes, it’s disarming. I find myself lost in the moment, the playful banter giving way to something deeper, something more charged. The air between us crackles with unspoken possibilities, and his glance, laden with meaning, makes my body flush and leaves me speechless.
His face moves away, those dark eyes glittering dangerously, and I know exactly what he wants. Not said in a vulgar or vile way, but playfully and plainly spoken that he wants me in the very way I want him. My curiosity about that shaft could be solved tonight, and I anxiously adjust in my seat.
